Emma on top of the world after victory in Italy

A Pocklington woman is top of the world after winning a major bodybuilding championship.

Emma Jones, who won the National Amateur Body Builders’ Association’s (NABBA) Miss UK bodybuilding title, has now become a World Champion.

She was victorious in the Athletic Figure category at a competition in Italy.

Emma started weight lifting in 2012 after suffering from body dysmorphia, anorexia and depression. In 2016 she decided to take her passion to the next level and start competing, coached by Dan Welburn of the Muscle Honeyz in Hull.

Emma said: “Dan is quite literally the best of the best.

“We started competing in August 2016 and by October 2017 I was placed third in the Nabba Universe competition, earning me an invite to the World Championships as the highest placing Brit. I then went on to win the Nabba UK title in November 2017.

“Competing in Italy was so much different than I was used to, it was hot, my category didn’t go on stage until much later and the boss, Dan, wasn’t able to come with me.

“I got on stage and gave it my all. Then it was time for the results, there were seven competitors. As sixth to second positions were called out I kept expecting to hear ‘representing the UK’ but it never happened, so I assumed the seventh girl had won it and I hadn’t placed.

“When my name was called I couldn’t believe it, I was so excited and even did a little happy dance with my trophy!

“It was one of the most memorable moments, although I was doing the school run with my son on Monday morning. Literally everyone on the school run congratulated me.

“It goes to show what a good coach and dedicating yourself to a passion can do.”